Swine influenza (caused by the Influenza A virus sub-type H1N1) is an airborne disease that spreads in the same way as common flu, through coughing and sneezing.

It is usually hosted by pigs, and people who come in close contact with pigs are therefore at higher risk. Swine flu first broke out in Mexico in April this year and it has by now spread to over 120 countries. It has infected more than 80 000 people of whom more than 300 have died. In June 2009, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a pandemic.

The first patient of Swine flu in South Africa was a 12-year-old child who arrived in the country from the United States of America. By now, 75 cases of swine flu have been reported in South Africa. People who travel are at higher risk of contracting the virus. There are no known cases of swine flu in South Africa where the victim has not travelled out of the country.

Symptoms of Swine flu
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to that of normal, seasonal human flu. They include fever, fatigue, coughing, sore throat, headaches, swollen and painful joints and nausea and diarrhea.
NB. People who are suffering with these symptoms and have recently travelled/ come in contact with someone who has travelled to areas with swine flu should see their doctors immediately.

Treatment
Swine flu is treatable. It is treated with antiviral medication which may only be used under a doctor's supervision. There is no vaccine to prevent against it. However, victims can also use flu remedies (in addition to the antiviral medication) and bed rest is essential.

Prevention
Transmission of swine flu can be prevented by always coughing or sneezing into a tissue and by washing your hands regularly. It is very important to avoid crowded areas especially if people have symptoms of the flu.
NB: Be advised that swine flu cannot be caught by eating pork.

Sources:-

• The Times
• South Africa.info
• Dispatch
• Wikipedia 
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